I have been postponing this because I hate goodbyes. You might have noticed my lack of attention lately... I am sorry, but after much deliberation, hemming and hawing and indecision I have decided to end my blogging days.
I have found lately that I spent too much time tending to my blog and shop and that I would wish to be spending my time in other ways. Lately, knitting has been my favorite pastime and these photos I took at a local yarn shop.
What fun it was to have a blog! I have loved getting to know so many crafty people. You have all been incredibly sweet with me! Thank you ever so much for showering me with encouragement and good cheer in all of your lovely messages!
As I will be closing my Ravenhill Etsy shop on January 1st I am having a Shop Closing Sale and offering 40% off all items, excluding the cost of shipping. Last chance to purchase one of my handmade goodies ends midnight December 31st! I will refund you soon after purchase and send items off the first week of January.
Oh, this makes me sad! I've really loved reading your blog and seeing all your lovely projects. I really hope that closing down the blog and shop will be good for you and that you will find the kind of lifestyle you're seeking. Best of luck!
Posted by: Kaye Prince | December 29, 2010 at 05:20 PM
Aaww. This is saddening news. I find comfort in the thought that you will only be a day planned away:) Thinking lots of you, and understand completely your priority. xo U Oh, the yarn and buttons are gorgeous!
Posted by: Una Grøgaard Fallenius | December 29, 2010 at 05:35 PM
Oh dear - another lovely blog going - but I understand how you feel - I too find it harder to update my blog and it happens less frequently.....enjoy the knitting and if you feel the urge to pop in some time and say hi please do!
Posted by: Di M | December 29, 2010 at 05:56 PM
I too have enjoyed your blog, good luck on your new hobby! I have been adoring your dolls for a long, long time and ordered 1 today, good luck. :)
Posted by: K2hanson | December 29, 2010 at 06:50 PM
Oh I am sad. But I, too, understand. I enjoy your blog so much, and enjoy reading about Norway, where I have extended family. I struggle lately to keep up with my blog, and it feels sometimes as if there is great pressure to keep it up. I pray that you are able to relax and enjoy your family and your crafting. Your work is inspirational. Thank you so much for sharing it as you have.
Posted by: Sivjegoose | December 29, 2010 at 07:03 PM
I am sorry to see you go. Its been nice to "meet" you. Enjoy the next chapter.
Posted by: Joanna Teague | December 29, 2010 at 07:53 PM
Oh bummer! I loved reading your blog posts but it is understandable when people move on. I loved hearing about where you live. I had a blast visiting Europe this summer! Take care! Rebecca
Posted by: Rebecca Gaus | December 29, 2010 at 08:14 PM
I'm sure going to miss you and all your wonderful projects. I will miss seeing the kids grow and learn ... I will miss you.
The best of wishes in your new endeavors. Hopefully, maybe, possibly one day you might come back with a knitting blog ???
Lots of hugs
Yvette
Posted by: Yvette Spicer | December 29, 2010 at 08:14 PM
I will miss you a lot. I have thoroughly enjoyed reading your blog since I found it about a year ago. Perhaps you could just drop in occasionally to let us know what you're up to. But in any event - best of luck in the future. Fiona xx
Posted by: TizDuster | December 29, 2010 at 08:39 PM
Goodbye, Emily!
I'll miss you!
Posted by: Pedilu.blogspot.com | December 29, 2010 at 09:21 PM
Thank you so much for your lovely blog and your inspiring creations. I wish you only the best, Emily!
Posted by: www.google.com/accounts/o8/id?id=AItOawlVvWVfX_aYLPHaAqkqjHAhrNeifUkrfa0 | December 30, 2010 at 01:50 AM
I'm sorry to see you go!
Posted by: Tsubi | December 30, 2010 at 03:07 AM
Ohhh Emily... I am sad to read that you will stop blogging. Even if we only met once I have loved keeping in touch with you through your blog (as a second best solution in a life that is way too busy).
...Wish you would consider to blog now and then and share your beautiful creations only when you have some spare time... not as an obligation.... but I understand your choice.
Good luck, take care and be safe!
Warm hugs, Anne Marie
Posted by: Anne Marie | December 30, 2010 at 10:21 AM
Emily, I am so sad to hear this news! Your shop and dolls make me so happy!!! I sit at my sewing machine every day and look at my little collection!
Good luck in your new endeavors!
Kathi, a devoted customer
Posted by: Kathip522 | December 30, 2010 at 11:38 AM
This makes me really sad. I don't comment much on your posts but I always check your blog for updates. And I really love looking at your work. I'll miss you and your stories and your beautiful matryoshkas. Your work is truly inspiring. Nevertheless, I wish you all the best!
Warm regards from the Philippines,
Sharline
Posted by: Account Deleted | December 30, 2010 at 03:47 PM
I will miss your inspiration. Best of luck to you. Susan
Posted by: www.google.com/accounts/o8/id?id=AItOawmXT4jjNrmlt9ewsvqi_LsuufYId26cnO8 | December 31, 2010 at 03:14 AM
Oh - soooo sad. Thank you for a very inspiring blog, it has been such fun popping in from time to time. You will be missed!
Posted by: Miranne.blogspot.com | December 31, 2010 at 03:54 PM
Oh I am so very sorry that you are going, I have really enjoyed your colourful corner of blogland. Do enjoy your knitting and I wish you a wonderful year ahead.
Posted by: Posh Yarns | December 31, 2010 at 06:32 PM
so long... been good to "know" you
Posted by: Linda Szpenda | December 31, 2010 at 09:31 PM
This is very sad news. I will miss your blogs Emily. I enjoyed seeing all your latest projects. Your work is beautiful. Take good care. Teresa
Posted by: Teresa A. | December 31, 2010 at 11:50 PM
Hello - these are sad news indeed but I really wish you luck in this new year - lot of creativity and time for making your dreams come true. Hugs from snowy.snowy Estonia.
Posted by: XbyLeinaNeima | January 02, 2011 at 10:21 PM
Sad to hear that your closing your blog. But I do understand where your coming from.. I too have found it more difficult to accomplish as much as I would like because I find myself attached to reading more and more blogs! You of course have also the store... which is a lot of work I'm sure. Good luck and please even though I haven't been much into writting on my blog lately... I would love to hear from you via email.
Your friend always.... Jean C. Utah... U.S.A. Give the kids a hug... and have a Wonderful New Year and Life!
[email protected]
Posted by: Jean Cogdill | January 03, 2011 at 09:40 PM
Dearest sweeet emily, im sad to hear that you will be closing your blog and shop. But i do totally understand your reason behind it. Will miss you dearly and all your gorgeous creations. All the best sweet friend. Thank YOU so much for all the love, support and blessing you sent my way! Wishing you LOVE and JOY this new year. Love to you!
Posted by: Jacqueline | January 05, 2011 at 02:30 AM
I'm sad to see this but I SOOO understand. Take care and enjoy the new life with loved ones and your amazing works of art!
Love, Eva Mari :)
Posted by: www.google.com/accounts/o8/id?id=AItOawkOPc5ekUO0kqNRoApM-DM4eUv1OTEYDbg | January 05, 2011 at 03:38 PM
Oh Emily how I will miss you. I have a couple of beautiful items that you have made and will be able to think of you each time I pass them going down the hallway. I at least hope you will stop by and visit my blogs and say hello once in a while. Here's wishing you all the best in 2011. May it be a year filled with creative endeavors. Be well friend.
Posted by: Valarie Budayr | January 06, 2011 at 05:43 PM
I have enjoyed reading your blog and have loved every image. I will miss you. Thankyou for many hours of delight. Simone
Posted by: www.google.com/accounts/o8/id?id=AItOawlX_z1XNu8KDWNCMXzAABviDE78BxLQ-RE | January 07, 2011 at 12:20 PM
I am so sorry to hear this! I've truly enjoyed your blog and it's been fun taking a peek at the new items in your shop. All the best to you and hope that we may still see you around, perhaps you will stay on flickr?
Posted by: Nancy | January 14, 2011 at 12:22 AM
Noooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I never got a chance to buy a matrioshka doll!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I could never pick one because they were all so beautiful! I've been admiring them for so long but kept on putting off buying one... I never thought you would close shop! When I first started sewing and making softies, your blog was one of my inspirations to keep me going. It still is. I found you on Whip Up - a post from July 14th 2008! I've been checking in periodically ever since. I understand your reasons for stopping; it's the reason I never began blogging. I wish you the best and thank you for sharing your beautiful creations.
Joanna Desormeaux, Montreal Quebec, Canada
Posted by: Joanna Desormeaux | January 14, 2011 at 02:18 AM
Best of luck to you!
Posted by: Account Deleted | April 29, 2011 at 11:29 PM
Take care and enjoy the new life with loved ones and your amazing works of art!
http://www.homeownerinsurancequoter.com
Posted by: Account Deleted | May 30, 2011 at 05:44 PM